Iron-Dextran Complex for Veterinary Iron Deficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current iron formulations for newborn animals, such as piglets, are inadequate in preventing iron deficiency anemia, especially with increased litter sizes and fast growth rates, as they often require higher doses or additional injections, which can be toxic and labor-intensive, and their efficacy decreases with age.
Innovation Solution
A veterinary composition comprising an iron complex combined with a water-soluble polymer, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, which improves hematinic efficacy and tissue distribution, administered via intramuscular injection, providing a more effective and well-tolerated solution for controlling iron deficiencies and anemia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dose rate of iron formulations is increased to prevent anemia in piglets, then the hematinic efficacy is improved, but the toxicity of iron in young animals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dextran as an intermediary carrier molecule to complex with iron, creating an iron-dextran complex that serves as a mediator between the iron source and the piglet's absorption systems. This complex form allows iron to be delivered at higher doses while the dextran carrier protects against direct toxicity and facilitates safer absorption, resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient hematinic efficacy and avoiding iron toxicity in young animals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical form and delivery parameters of iron by using different iron compounds (iron(III) dextran, beta-ferric oxyhydroxide-dextran glucoheptonic acid complex) with specific molecular weights and formulations. These parameter changes in iron delivery enable higher effective doses to be administered safely, improving hematinic efficacy while controlling toxicity through optimized formulation parameters
2Reliability
If a second injection is administered before or at weaning to prevent anemia, then the hematinic efficacy is improved, but the labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering a sufficiently high dose of iron-dextran complex at birth that provides prolonged protection through the critical period until weaning. This single preliminary injection is formulated to maintain adequate iron levels throughout the early growth period, eliminating the need for a second injection and thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining hematinic efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by formulating the iron-dextran complex with molecular weights and compositions that enable sustained release and prolonged circulation in the piglet's system. This continuous availability of iron from a single injection maintains hematinic efficacy over an extended period, replacing the need for multiple discrete injections and reducing overall labor requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If iron formulations are administered after the first 3 days of life, then the treatment flexibility is improved, but the hematinic activity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameters of the dextran carrier (specifically using high molecular weight dextran with Mw ≥ 70,000) and the iron-dextran complex formulation to extend the effective window for administration. These parameter changes in the carrier molecule enable the formulation to maintain stability and hematinic activity even when administered later than the traditional 3-day window, providing both treatment flexibility and sustained efficacy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a veterinary composition comprising an iron complex as a sole active ingredient and a water-soluble polymer. The invention further relates to the use of such composition for controlling iron deficiencies and/or anaemic states in a non-human mammal.